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Dave McMenamin
Multiple Authors
LOS ANGELES — LeBron James opened Thursday night’s 124-104 victory against the Dallas Mavericks with a feat he had never accomplished before and concluded it by achieving something no player his age had ever accomplished.
James scored or assisted on the Lakers’ first 23 points of the game, marking his longest streak to start a match in his 23-year career, as per ESPN Research.
At night’s end, he secured 28 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds, making history as the oldest player in the NBA to record a triple-double. At 41 years and 44 days, he surpassed Karl Malone (40 years, 127 days) for this milestone.
“I appreciate moments like this more now that I’m aware of where I stand in my career,” James remarked, receiving a warm ovation from the Crypto.com Arena crowd when he grabbed his 10th rebound with 2:05 left in the game to clinch the record. “Being in this later stage of my journey, I definitely cherish it more.”
This outstanding performance by James followed a two-day respite after missing his 18th game of the season on Tuesday due to arthritis in his left foot. This absence ruled him out for end-of-season accolades and ended his remarkable record of 21 consecutive All-NBA selections due to his inability to meet the 65-game threshold needed to qualify.
Lakers coach JJ Redick, who is four months older than James but has been retired for five years, expressed his continued admiration for him.
“I never take for granted how exceptional he is; I recognize that every day,” Redick stated. “His daily professionalism and dedication are truly remarkable. … He’s essentially had a 23-year prime, and there are various versions of him, which is what’s incredible.”
James, currently in the last year of his contract with the Lakers, has frequently mentioned that he is uncertain about continuing his career into a 24th season or beyond. He made it clear that if he chooses to retire, it won’t be due to a decline in his performance.
“My game isn’t diminishing,” James affirmed. “It’s really about my body. There are many factors regarding how long I’ll play. I don’t believe my game will decline if I decide to keep going, no matter how long that may be. It’s really a matter of my mindset: How long can I retain my passion for the process?”
“That’s always been my focus. If I can no longer stay passionate about the process, then if my mental commitment wanes, my body will too. Once my body gives out, that’s it. The love fades, and so does the fun. So that’s what it comes down to — it’s not my performance that’s deteriorating.”
Thursday’s outing marked James’ first triple-double of the season and the 123rd of his career, placing him fifth on the all-time leaderboard.
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd, who retired at age 40 with 107 triple-doubles—sixth all-time—expressed his respect for James’ longevity.
“It simply demonstrates that someone who has taken good care of his body and mind is playing the game correctly,” Kidd observed. “And at an elevated level.”
The victory ended a two-game losing streak, bringing the Lakers to a 33-21 record as they head into the All-Star break, ranking them fifth in the Western Conference.
“To achieve this and win means more to me than anything else,” James stated. “But I feel very blessed to play this game and play it well.”
James will not enjoy as lengthy a break as many of his Lakers teammates, participating in Sunday’s All-Star Game for a record 22nd time, alongside Luka Doncic, who will make his sixth appearance if his mild left hamstring strain permits. Lakers backup center Jaxson Hayes will take part in Saturday’s dunk contest.
While James acknowledged he will appreciate any rest he can get before the Lakers resume their schedule on Feb. 20 against the LA Clippers, he had no complaints about returning to action.
“I’m a goofy 41-year-old kid,” James said. “I get paid to play basketball. Why wouldn’t I be happy? I get to spend time with my son, my teammates, and all the incredible fans who have supported me throughout my journey. I love what I do. … I genuinely enjoy it. It’s fantastic.”
